Her Story
About Rhonda
Rhonda Popko is an artist, art teacher, nonprofit arts advocate, and activist who has lived in Des Plaines, Illinois, for 50 years. She earned a bachelor's degree from Northeastern in Chicago in 1976 after studying fine arts and attended the Art Institute for many years without graduating. She holds a certification in teaching gifted children from her time at a private school for gifted children, where she taught for over 25 years before retiring 13 years ago. Popko remains deeply engaged in the arts community, having run the Des Plaines Art Guild for 15 years and previously belonging to the Chicago Society of Artists. She serves on the board of Go Green Des Plaines, focusing on sustainability, and has raised over $8,000 for the local self-help pantry through community events. Her success stems from her creativity and her ability to execute ideas, which she attributes to being a doer who puts herself out there and trusts others while sharing her passions for art, techniques, and gardening that inspires her work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rhonda
01What do you attribute your success to?
My creativity and the environment I was in when teaching allowed me to pull things together and come up with wonderful ideas. I execute my ideas rather than just thinking about them. I am a doer.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be your authentic self. I fell into teaching by accident after studying fine arts and it brought unexpected joy, though teaching has changed.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Putting yourself out there and trusting people. Sharing my passions about art and different techniques. Being passionate about my garden and growing things which inspires my art. Encountering incredible people who make me want to be the best I can be.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.